Scotland's western coastal mountains and the desolate Hebrides spawned the line of the MacKechnie family. The name MacKechnie was originally a nickname for a /the personal names Eachan and Eochaidh. The Gaelic form of the name is usually Mac Eachainn, meaning son of Eachan. However, The surnames MacGeachie, MacGeachy, and MacKeachie are derived from the Irish surname Mag Eachaidh, an Ulster variant of Mag Eochadha, which means son of Eochaidh.

MacKechnie Early Origins

The surname MacKechnie was first found in Knoydart, where they were a sept of the MacDonalds, descended from Hector (Gaelic Eachann,) second son of Roderick MacDonald, 3rd of Moydart and Clanranald.

MacKechnie Spelling Variations

MacKechnie Spelling Variations

Spelling and translation were not standardized practices until the last few centuries. Spelling variations are extremely common among early Scottish names. MacKechnie has been spelled McEachan, McGeachan, McKechnie, McGeachie and many more.

MacKechnie Early History

MacKechnie Early History

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our MacKechnie research. Another 229 words (16 lines of text) covering the years 1686, 1694, 1711, 1715, and 1745 are included under the topic Early MacKechnie History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

MacKechnie Early Notables (pre 1700)

MacKechnie Early Notables (pre 1700)

Another 27 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early MacKechnie Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

MacKechnie In Ireland

MacKechnie In Ireland

Some of the MacKechnie family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. Another 148 words (11 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

The Great Migration

The Great Migration

Settlers from Scotland put down roots in communities all along the east coast of North Ameri ca. Some moved north from the American colonies to Canada as United Empire Loyalists during the American War of Independence. As Clan societies and highland games started in North America in the 20th century many Scots rediscovered parts of their heritage. Early North American records indicate many people bearing the name MacKechnie were among those contributors: Joseph MaKecky (McGeachie), who arrived in Virginia in 1756; Thomas McKeachie, on record in America in 1797; Thomas McKeachy, who was in Ontario in 1844.

The MacKechnie Family Crest was acquired from the Houseofnames.com archives. The MacKechnie Family Crest was drawn according to heraldic standards based on published blazons. We generally include the oldest published family crest once associated with each surname.